he chance of a marriage proposal increases as the holiday
seasons approach. About 16% of all proposals take place in
December, with Christmas Eve being the most popular day to
pop the question. From adventurous skydiving proposals to
romantic dinner proposals, each couple has a unique engagement story
to share. And once that ring is on your finger, the wedding of your dreams
will follow.
At times, planning your wedding can feel like a full-time job. Despite
the lengthy to-do list on page 6, you can reduce wedding planning stress
with tips on page 8.
Among the many tasks to complete, choosing your wedding gown is
one of the most memorable. Before shopping for a dress to impress your
groom, turn to page 12 and read up on dress styles and trends. Then,
complete your look with a fabulous hairdo. The hairstyle photo gallery
on page 16 will inspire your creativity and wedding day vision.
Whether you’re newly engaged, weeks from your wedding day, or
preparing for your engagement, you won’t want to miss this issue of
Winery Weddings.
Enjoy!

š
g
n
i
h
t
e
t
i
r
o
my fav issue

May Durkovic

Find us on:

Editor

in this

Photo courtesy of Haircolor N Style

Editor

The inspiring hairstyle
photo gallery!

Saskia Paulussen Photography

planning advice
Bridal Party
Assist

P

lanning your wedding can
feel like a full-time job. Fortunately, you’re not alone!
Your bridal party and family
members not only stand by your side
on the big day; they each play a special
role in the planning process.

Bride and Groom

4

Winery Weddings | Fall/Winter 2014

Maid or Matron of Honor

A maid of honor is an unmarried attendant, whereas a
matron of honor is a
married attendant.
Some brides
choose both a
matron and
maid of honor,
or two maids
of honor. The
maid or matron of honor
plans and hosts
the bridal shower
and bachelorette
party. She is the bride’s
lady in waiting on the wedding day,
helping her
with anything
she needs. The
maid or matron of honor is
also the first to
offer a toast to
the bride and
groom during
the reception.

Best Man

The best man is responsible for
planning the bachelor party before the
wedding day. He ensures the groomsmen are dressed and on time for the
wedding, which may involve advance
communication. He hands the rings to
the officiant during the ceremony, and
delivers the officiant’s fee and gratuity
following the ceremony. He toasts the
couple following the maid or matron
of honor’s toast, and socializes with
guests during the reception.

Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids help plan and attend
pre-wedding events for the bride and
groom. They assist the bride on her
wedding day, helping her to the restroom, holding her flowers or bringing
her Kleenex. The bridesmaids pose
for photos, socialize at the reception
and dance with guests.

Brooke Mayo Photography

She should graciously respond to
any correspondence regarding the
wedding, and write thank you notes to
each host, hostess and gift-giver.

Laura's Focus Photography

Traditionally, the bride made most
of the decisions when planning her
wedding, but this is no longer the
case. Today, wedding planning is a
prime opportunity for a couple to
practice the many skills required in
marriage, including communication,
compromise and collaboration.
The groom contributes by researching caterers, photographers, florists, DJs, bands
and other vendors. He
schedules a meeting
with the officiant,
arranges accommodations for out-oftown guests and
transportation for
the wedding party.
It’s also the groom’s
responsibility to
choose the groomsmen,
and collaborate with his
parents to create his half of the
guest list. He will order wedding attire
for himself and his groomsmen, and
schedule tuxedo fittings if needed.
The bride most often holds the
overall vision of the wedding day,
and selects vendors according to her
vision. She chooses wedding attendants, a bridal gown, accessories and
bridesmaid dresses. She is responsible for collaborating with her parents
to finalize her half of the guest list.

nate outfits. The father of the bride
typically opens the reception with a
welcome speech or toast.

Parents of the Groom

Parents of the groom can help the
couple with their vendor search. They
are responsible for planning and host-

The groomsmen should also smile
for photos and invite the bridesmaids
and single guests to dance during the
reception.

Heather Bee Photography

Parents of the Bride

Parents of the bride may host the
first engagement party, with the
groom’s parents welcome to host
a second. The bride’s parents may
provide input regarding wedding details, and the mother of the bride will
undoubtedly want to help her daughter select her bridal gown.
The mother of the bride
should select her
wedding day attire
first, and then inform the mother
of the groom so
they can coordi-

eight), her only responsibility is to look cute and
carry or toss flower
petals during
the bride’s
processional.
Parents of
the flower
girl are
responsible
for purchasing
her gown and
driving her to the
rehearsal, rehearsal
dinner and wedding.

Ring Bearer

The ring bearer may walk down the
aisle by himself, escort the flower girl
or walk with
another ring
bearer. He carries a
pillow or box meant to
symbolically hold the
rings. The young man
relies on his parents
to purchase his attire
and drive him to the
rehearsal, rehearsal
dinner and ceremony.
Saskia Paulussen Photography

BG Productions Photography

Aside from standing beside the
groom during the ceremony, groomsmen often usher guests to their seats
before the ceremony. They direct
guests as needed and answer any
questions regarding parking, restrooms or directions to the reception.

Pamela Lepold Photography

Groomsmen

ing the rehearsal dinner. The groom’s
father escorts his wife to her seat.
In some cases, he will make a toast,
or even fill the role of a best man or
groomsman.

Flower Girl

Since a flower
girl is typically
young (usually between the
ages of four and

With a team of
friends and family by
your side, planning
your big day can be a piece of cake. ww
As a boutique event planning firm,
Voilà! Event Studio collaborates with
you to tailor your unique wedding to
perfection. Whether advocating for
you during the planning process or
styling luxury designs on the day of
your wedding, Voila! Event Studio is
obsessed with every petite detail.

www.wineryweddingmagazine.com

5

planning advice

S

Wedding Planning Checklist

ince a couple’s engagement spans an average of 15 months, many wedding planning checklists break down the
to-do list into a 12-15 month time frame. Although this is meant to be helpful, it can create more stress for the
couple with a shorter engagement.
Use this checklist to prioritize tasks and plan your way on your timeframe.

Announce the engagement and celebrate
Create a budget and determine who will pay for what
Select two or three tentative wedding dates
Choose bridesmaids, groomsmen and other bridal
party members; check if they are available on your
tentative dates
Formulate a tentative guest list
Start a wedding folder or binder with ideas and photos
from magazines, blogs and wedding websites
Choose a wedding theme and style
Select and reserve a ceremony and reception venue
Research and book a wedding planner (if desired)

Moving Forward
❏❏
❏❏
❏❏
❏❏
❏❏
❏❏
❏❏
❏❏
❏❏
❏❏
❏❏
❏❏

6

Finalize the guest list
Design and mail Save the Date cards (if desired)
Create a gift registry (if desired)
Select and order wedding invitations
Try on bridal dresses and purchase one (six months to
eight weeks in advance)
Invite bridesmaids and flower girls to try on and purchase dresses (six months to eight weeks in advance)
Schedule food tastings and book a caterer
Research and book a ceremony officiant
Research and book a photographer
Research and book a musician/band/DJ
Discuss duties and responsibilities with your
bridal party
Consider honeymoon options

Obtain a marriage license (research state laws)
Discuss ceremony details with the officiant
Determine the order of ceremony and reception events
Write or select wedding vows
Secure transportation for the wedding day
Confirm accommodations for out of town guests
Confirm rehearsal dinner details
Mail rehearsal dinner invitations

Two Weeks Before
❏❏ Create a wedding day schedule and distribute it to the
bridal party and vendors
❏❏ Confirm arrival times and plans with the bridal
party and vendors
❏❏ Email the names of all vendors and the bridal party to
site manager
❏❏ Call anyone who has not responded to his or her
invitation
❏❏ Confirm the number of guests with the caterer
and site manager
❏❏ Create a seating plan for the reception (if desired)
❏❏ Schedule pick-up/return of groom’s formal wear
❏❏ Break in the wedding shoes

One Day Before
❏❏ Pack an emergency kit with sewing supplies, safety
pins, makeup, etc.
❏❏ Pick up grooms and groomsmen attire if renting
❏❏ Drop off décor items at the reception site
❏❏ Prepare and arrange checks for
final balances and tips to all vendors
❏❏ Enjoy a manicure/pedicure or visit to the spa (if desired)
❏❏ Attend the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

Wedding Day
❏❏
❏❏
❏❏
❏❏

Give both wedding rings to the best man or ring bearer
Meet with the hair stylist and make-up artist (if desired)
Dress to impress
Get married!!! ww

www.wineryweddingmagazine.com

7

planning advice

Astrid Photography

Tips to Stress Less

Draft a budget

This is an essential first step
in planning. Staying within
budget can be tough, so it’s
important to be realistic and
prioritize. If you want guests
to experience the best food
at your wedding, allocate a
larger portion of the budget to catering. Avoid
over-allocating
for food and
beverages
that may
eventually
go to waste by ordering
the quantity of food based on the
total number of guests.

8

Winery Weddings | Fall/Winter 2014

Hire a wedding planner
This is a great way to
reduce stress and create
structure for any size wedding. A wedding planner will
create a detailed timeline
for pre-wedding day tasks,
and can assist with setting
up important appointments
for dress and tuxedo fittings,
menu samplings and venue
visits.

Get personal

It can be stressful just thinking
about hosting a party for 100 plus
guests. The modern bride and
groom focus less on entertainment and more on creating
memories. Leave a lasting
impression on your
guests with a personalized favor,
such as a customized picture frame or
photo beverage coaster. Plan a unique
experience at the reception, like a
flash mob dance or handwritten song
from the bride and groom. Guests will

Dani Leigh Photography

A

s you begin planning your
wedding, questions about
the guest list, venue,
food, musical entertainment and décor quickly arise. And
just as quickly, the onset of stress
creeps into your relationship. Here
are some tips on how to plan your
wedding without pulling each other’s
hair out.

feel engaged and remember your wedding long after the reception.
Despite extensive planning and
numerous details, your big day will be
one of the happiest of your life. Have
fun and enjoy it! ww
Written and contributed by To the “T”
Events and Catering, a premier lifestyle
event coordination and catering
company based in Philadelphia, PA.
To the “T” specializes in weddings and
corporate events, as well as elegant
private events. They currently serve
clients in the northeastern region of
the country, as well as some clientele
in the Midwest.

A Midwinter Night’s Dream

I

nspired by fairies and a quest for love, this bridal photo shoot,
titled “A Midwinter Night’s Dream,” portrays a twist on one
of William Shakespeare’s most popular plays. In the midst of
winter, a season marked by dreary grays and barren branches,
the bride Titania, Queen of the Fairies, radiates among the stark
landscape. Her beauty and vitality conquer the deadness of winter.
Surrounded by dormant vines, the main setting consists of natural, rustic elements. Antler candles—a nod to the playful Puck—
stunning floral garland
and gold place settings
bring the scene to life. An
array of edible desserts,
that brought the vision to life:
including a simple wedding cake and delectable
Event Planner: Katie Rose LLC
cupcakes, could lure even
Photographer: M
ollie Tobias
Puck away from his quest.
Photography
The lavender and slate
Floral Designer: M
aribel of Eight
Tree Street
blue color scheme, speckHeirlooms and Extras: Cheryl of The
led with hints of copper,
Woodsman’s
complement Virginia’s
Wife
Blue Ridge Mountains in
Makeup and Hair: Carolyn Thombs
the background.
Makeup Artistry &
Consulting
Join Titania as she
Jewelry: NovaGold, LLC
welcomes Theseus and
Hippolyta for a night of
Cake and Sweets: N
ia of Meli and
Kanela
revelry and mischief in
Venue: Stone Tower Winery
“A Midwinter Night’s
Dream.” ww

Vendors

9

A Midwinter Nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dream

10

Winery Weddings | Fall/Winter 2014

www.wineryweddingmagazine.com

11

ADress
to

Impress
Choosing your wedding

gown is a momentous
experience. It represents
the beginning of â&#x20AC;&#x153;happily
ever afterâ&#x20AC;? with the one you
love. But before stepping
inside a bridal shop,
consider your wedding
style and venue. Are you
planning an elegant, formal
ballroom affair, a chic,
modern celebration or a

By Abby Ayeh

Owner of Pretty Posh Events, LLC

12

Winery Weddings | Fall/Winter 2014

Bonnie Sen Creative Photography

rustic vineyard wedding?

Traditional

aphy
Amanda D
orian Photo
gr

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve chosen the modern look, a trumpet
or mermaid dress may be just your style.
Accessorize with a colored ribbon, belt or
fashionable shawl.

A soft, flowing dress adds a touch of
romance to your fairytale wedding.
Consider wearing a feminine pink
or ivory colored dress when walking
down the aisle.
otography

Modern

Romantic

Pamela Lepold Ph

Lace silhouettes or Goddess dresses are ideal for a
vintage or whimsical wedding.
Dress your wedding party in
complimentary-style dresses to
complete the look.

Molly Tobias Photo

Vintage

graphy

Magnolia Street Photography

A classic ball gown is perfect for the
bride who has always dreamed of
that Cinderella wedding. Try on different gowns to make sure the dress
fits your vision (and your figure).

Ideal for the hourglass or
small-waist body types,
mermaid or trumpet dresses
are form fitting from the
shoulder to the knee or midthigh then flair out.

Cavalheri Photography

Karenscape Photography

Sheath or column dresses flow
straight down from shoulders
to toes, accentuating tall and
slender figures.

Trending Now

Versatility

Versatile dresses that double up as
both wedding and reception dresses
are the way to go.

Color

Laura's Focus Photography

Bold and non-conforming brides
don an array of colored wedding dresses
from blush pink, to red
and black.

The Details

Add some drama to
your walk down the
aisle with unexpected
detail on the back of
your dress.

14

Winery Weddings | Fall/Winter 2014

The fitted bodice and full skirt
of ball gown dresses emphasize the waist and hide the
lower body, perfect for almost
any body type.

No matter what style of dress you
choose, consider these tips to pull off
your look.
1. Purchase the right undergarments
for support and comfort. By the last
dance youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be glad you did.
2. Accessorize properly. Add a chic
birdcage veil to
your vintage dress,
a crystal sash to
your ball gown or
a lace applique
cap sleeve to your
strapless dress.
3. Hair and makeup
should accentuate
your natural features and
overall look.

4. Give yourself ample time to shop,
and flexibility in what you want.
Shopping with an open mind can
result in pleasant surprises and
your ultimate dream dress. ww
Pretty Posh Events is a full service
event planning and design company
based out of North Brunswick, New
Jersey, serving the tri-state area.
They specialize in chic, custom and
exquisite design detail from invitation
and floral design to custom dessert
tables and decor, ensuring that your
event not only looks amazing, but is
executed with perfection.
www.prettyposhevents.com

Saskia Paulussen Photography

A-line dresses complement
pear shaped figures by
accentuating the waist
while drawing attention away
from the hips and thighs.

our wedding day is one of the most special of your life-it’s also one of the craziest! It’s enough to bring the
rings and marriage license, let alone remember who attended the celebration. Not to worry, the wedding
guestbook is to the rescue! Check out these DIY ideas to help make your guestbook as unique as each person
who signs.

Jenga Guestbook
If you’re of the dying breed who still
love board games, this one is for you!
Difficulty: low
Materials:
• A set of Jenga blocks
• Felt tip pens or markers

Instructions:

1. Order custom labels that commemorate milestone anniversaries
(check out Etsy.com).
2. Place new labels on your favorite
bottles of wine.
3. Instruct guests to sign a bottle of
their choice.
On your milestone anniversary,
pop open the bottle and read your
guests’ wishes.

Steps: 2

Wine Cork Guestbook
You’ll need to drink a lot of wine for
this one, which is why it’s guaranteed
to be your most fun wedding project.
Difficulty: low

Instructions:
1. Lay Jenga blocks on the guestbook
table.
2. Ask guests to write their name and
a piece of marriage advice or a fun
couple’s activity.
Playtime just got a little more
interesting. ww

Steps: 2

Materials:
• Wine corks
• Felt tip pens
• Container (clear vase, bowl,
mason jar, decorative cage)
Instructions:
1. Collect as many corks as RSVPs.
2. Instruct guests to sign and date a
cork, then place it in the container.
This makes a rustic and meaningful decorative piece for your new
home.

www.wineryweddingmagazine.com

15

beauty
Stylish Hairdos

O

n your
wedding day,
you want to

look and feel your best
from head to toe. The
hairstyle you choose
can transform that
beautiful look into
drop dead gorgeous.
Consider these factors
when searching for the
perfect hairdo.

• Weather: humidity, rain and fog can flatten hair quickly, so be prepared
with extra hair spray.
• Venue: an outdoor venue means greater exposure to the elements, and
more hair spray.
• Dress: the neckline and style of your dress can influence which hairdo
looks best.
• Preference: are you a let-your-hair-down or pony tail type of girl?
Personal hair preference may play a role in your choice of bridal hairstyles.
16

Winery Weddings | Fall/Winter 2014

Glamorous updos sweep hair up and
away from the face, securing it in place
during the festivities (and those hundreds of pictures). Ideal for hot, humid
weather, updos can incorporate flowers,
decorative bobby pins and barrettes.
Romantic down dos frame the face,
accentuating facial features. Curling
or crimping straight hair adds a special touch to a once-in-a-lifetime day.
Elegant partial dos offer the benefits of both up and down dos. With
sides pulled into an updo and hair
flowing down the back, a partial do

• If you’ve decided on an updo, shampoo and set your hair the night
before your wedding.
• If you’re a dark-haired bride, consider adding highlights to showcase
the details in your hair.
• If you're a short-haired bride and
desire an updo, consider adding
hair extensions. ww
Contributed by Natalya GuminskaAnderson of Haircolor N Style
www.haircolornstyle.com

All images courtesy of Haircolor N Style

www.wineryweddingmagazine.com

17

beauty
Hair

18

Winery Weddings | Fall/Winter 2014

featured

WEDDINGS
jenn
and
jp

rene
and
mark

lauren
and
adam

shana
and
andy

vanessa
and
bobby

allison
and
josh

www.wineryweddingmagazine.com

19

featured

WEDDINGS

Jenn and JP

How they met:

Jenn and JP met at Pace University in lower Manhattan. They dated a few months Jenn’s
freshman year before deciding they were better off as
friends. For the next six years they were exactly that.
After watching each other grow and change for the better
they couldn’t wait to give it a second try.

How he proposed: The couple created a blog

to document their love letters to each other. On a random Thursday night, JP asked Jenn to check the blog.
There was a new entry with the photo of a diamond ring
and the title, “I hope you say yes.” The first words out of

4.27.13

Brotherhood
winery

Jenn’s mouth were, “JP...what is this?” With a smile he
grabbed a box out of his dresser drawer, knelt down on
one knee and proposed.

Why a winery wedding: Jenn and JP didn’t

want a standard reception hall. They envisioned a winery,
barn or farm; something with a structure they could build
on. Jenn fell in love with Brotherhood Winery at first site.
The moment she and JP stepped into the Grand Manor
event room, surrounded by stone walls, wooden beams,
cast iron chandeliers and an outdoor patio, they knew
Brotherhood Winery was their perfect venue.

Favorite Wedding
Moments
Jennâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s absolute favorite moment
occurred while walking down the aisle
next to her dad. At first, she cracked
jokes to keep them both calm and tear
free. But once she locked eyes with
JP her heart melted. It truly felt like
the rest of the world faded away and it
was just the two of them.

www.wineryweddingmagazine.com

21

featured

WEDDINGS

Lauren and Adam

How they met:

Lauren and Adam met in London
while studying abroad. They attended Monmouth University in New Jersey, but did not know each other before
traveling overseas. It was a life changing trip in more ways
than one!

How he proposed: Adam caught Lauren off guard

9.21.2013

Laurita Winery

Why a winery wedding: Lauren desired a

rustic setting with burlap, wood fireplaces and a beautiful
view. Laurita Wineryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s indoor/outdoor space was spectacularÂ and intimate, the view of the vineyard was breathtaking and the event space was just the right size for their
guest list.

when he proposed to her in a quiet picnic area overlooking
the lake and vineyards at Laurita Winery.

Favorite Wedding
Moments
Lauren and Adam fondly recall
staring into each other's eyes during
the ceremony. It felt as if the world
stopped and nothing else mattered.
Posing for pictures in the vineyard was
also memorable and fun!

www.wineryweddingmagazine.com

23

featured

WEDDINGS

Vanessa and Bobby

How they met:

Vanessa and Bobby were introduced on Facebook. They met in person a week later.

How he proposed: In celebration of their third

anniversary the couple hiked Roaring Run, the same trail
they hiked on their first date. When they reached a beautiful overlook, Bobby set up a picnic and explained how
special the day was, since he planned to propose. Vanessa

10.19.2013
Beliveau Estate
Winery

said, ‘Yes!’ before he could officially ask her to marry him.
Then, he surprised her with a beautiful custom designed
engagement ring.

Why a winery wedding: Bobby worked as the
assistant winemaker and vineyard manager at Beliveau
Estate Winery. This, combined with the beautiful setting
and on-site bed and breakfast, made it an ideal venue.

Favorite Wedding
Moments
Memorable moments include the sun
shining down mid-ceremony, their
first kiss, the intimate photo shoot
following the ceremony, their first
dance to “Fly Me To the Moon,” the
amazing French desserts and the
touching, hilarious toasts. Bobby also
enjoyed the private barrel tasting with
his groomsmen, and celebrating with
cigars on the back pavilion.

www.wineryweddingmagazine.com

25

featured

WEDDINGS

Rene and Mark

How they met:

Rene and Mark met when mutual
acquaintances ran into each other at a restaurant and
introduced them. They dated eight years before their
engagement.

How he proposed: Rene has loved and owned

horses for years. One day, she found a rock caught in
one of her horse's boots and shared her concern with
Mark. A few weeks later, Mark announced he found the
rock and encouraged her to take a look. So she walked
into the feed room where she found Mark on one knee

9.15.2013

Pippen Hill Farm
and Vineyards

holding out the boot. Inside was a three and a half carat
diamond. What a rock!

Why a winery wedding: The couple originally booked a seaside chapel near Reneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Jersey
home, but after Hurricane Sandy pummeled the shore,
the chapel cancelled all bookings for the year.Â So they
searched for a Virginia winery venue near a horse farm
where they could retire one day. They have since purchased the 23 acre farm adjacent to Pippen Hill.

Favorite Wedding
Moments
As Rene and Mark walked the lawn of
Pippen Hill, surrounded by friends and
family, they soaked up the beautiful
sky, amazing view and sounds of
Bach. They described the experience
as â&#x20AC;&#x153;heaven on earth.â&#x20AC;?

www.wineryweddingmagazine.com

27

featured

WEDDINGS

Shana and Andy

How they met:

Shana and Andy were introduced
through a group of mutual friends on Valentine’s Day. The
following year they met again and started to date.

How he proposed: On Thanksgiving Day, Andy

was determined to set up the outdoor Christmas lights
before leaving for Thanksgiving dinner with family. When
they arrived home that night, Andy proposed to Shana in
front of their Christmas-lit house. It certainly made for an
exciting holiday season.

4.20.2013

Raffaldini
Vineyard &
Winery

Why a winery wedding: Shana began her

outdoor venue search online. She was immediately drawn
to Raffaldini Vineyard as soon as she saw photos online.
With picturesque views of the North Carolina foothills,
gorgeous on-site landscaping and fountains, the vineyard’s
beautiful scenery didn’t compare to any other venue.

Favorite Wedding
Moments
On their wedding day, Andy enjoyed
the surprise of seeing the venue for the
first time. It was more beautiful than
he imagined. The couple will always
remember their first look, saying "I
do," smiling for photographs, and
celebrating with loved ones.

www.wineryweddingmagazine.com

29

featured

WEDDINGS

Allison and Josh

How they met:

While driving around Corolla,
North Carolina in search of a rental house, Allison spied
a tan, fit, handsome and shirtless Josh. She stopped to
ask for directions even though she knew exactly where
she was going. On their second encounter, Josh delivered
pizza to the house she rented, which happened to be his
best friend’s house. From that moment on he was at the
house all the time.

How he proposed: The couple’s Christmas tree

was in desperate need of a topper, so Josh turned Allison’s

2.8.2014

sanctuary
Vineyards

engagement ring into an ornament and hung it at the top
of the tree. After failing many times to draw her attention
to the ring, Josh finally said, “The tree looks great with
our new sparkly topper, don’t you think?” When Allison
noticed the engagement ring she yelled, “Yes!”

Why a winery wedding: Allison and Josh

envisioned a wedding that reflected their personal style.
They chose a rustic, cozy atmosphere that brought the
outdoors inside. Even in winter, they could take pictures
in the vineyard and beside the fun farm equipment!

Favorite Wedding
Moments
The ceremony flew by quickly, but
offered a few memorable moments
when Allison felt "alone" with Josh.
During the reception, the photographer
warned Allison she overheard Josh
and his friends plotting to smash cake
in her face. Prepared, Allison smashed
cake in his face first!

www.wineryweddingmagazine.com

31

newlywed advice

By Sharon Naylor

Five Trips during the First
Five Years of Marriage

A
1.

Revisit your wedding venue
or honeymoon location.
Many resorts and hotels offer
special packages for past wedding
couples, which may include room
upgrades, free champagne, and even
the chance to renew your vows. Relive
your honeymoon adventures, and
reminisce about your wedding while
dining at a private table on the beach
surrounded by Tiki torches. Then
toast to a fabulous life together.

2.

Check out your secondchoice honeymoon location.
You thought about Sonoma,
but honeymooned in Hawaii. Now
it’s time for a stunning and indulgent
do-over in Sonoma, or your secondchoice location. Check out five or
three day romance packages with big
discounts and romantic extras like
champagne and flowers in your room.

32

Winery Weddings | Fall/Winter 2014

Courtesy of Honeymoon Islands

s you imagine life after
the wedding—that
housewarming party
you’ll host in your new
home, the babies you’ll have together
someday—don’t lose sight of your
relationship with each other and the
places that personally shaped you.
Now is the time to plan for five essential trips to take during your first
five years of marriage.

3.

Visit family members who
couldn’t make it to your
wedding. If someone was ill,
pregnant or couldn’t fly in for your big
day, make that “hope to see you soon!”
message in your thank-you note come
true. Take advantage of quality time
with your favorite people.

4.

Return to your college town
and revisit your old stomping grounds. If your alma
mater is new to your partner, show
him your favorite hangouts. He’ll
enjoy seeing your face light up as
you reminisce about those glorious
college years. Hotels near campus
may offer alumni discounts, and there
may be extra-special events to enjoy
together during homecoming or big
game weekends.

5.

Visit your favorite childhood vacation spot and
share wonderful memories
of family trips to the beach, Disney,
a ski resort, etc. Tell stories of sibling adventures, and show off that
quaint ice cream shop you loved as
a little girl.
Whether you are revisiting a
childhood vacation spot or exploring someplace new, don’t miss the
opportunity to enjoy these fun five
trips together in your first five years
of marriage. ww
Written by Sharon Naylor, author
of The Bride’s Guide to Freebies
and other wedding books for you,
the moms, and the bridesmaids,
www.sharonnaylor.net